The medical director of El Geneina Hospital in Sudan’s West Darfur State, Dr. Al-Shafie Salih Younis, has warned of acute shortages of malaria medication, including intravenous treatments and tablets, amid a growing influx of patients and increased demand for healthcare services.
He called on international organizations operating in the health sector to urgently intervene and provide the necessary medicines.
“Demand for malaria medication is high as increasing numbers of patients seek treatment at the hospital.” He said. “The shortage is exacerbating the suffering of patients and putting them at risk of deteriorating health. Mortality rates could rise if the drug shortages persist and adequate medical supplies are not secured.”
Separately, Dr. Bakhit Hassan, director-general of the medical complex, warned of the serious complications malaria can cause, explaining that the disease can affect the brain, kidneys, liver and joints.
“Residents should undergo medical testing and receive a proper diagnosis before taking medication because malaria symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses.” He said.
Dr. Hassan also criticized what he described as disruptions in the pharmaceutical supply chain, saying some hospitals were obtaining medicines from unknown sources. He further warned that improper storage practices could cause medicines to deteriorate and lose their efficacy.
He also pointed to the presence of inadequately trained healthcare personnel, stressing the need for stronger oversight of drug quality and improvements in healthcare services.
The warnings come amid growing concerns over the deterioration of health conditions in West Darfur, where medicine shortages and mounting pressure on healthcare facilities underscore the urgent need for intervention to ensure access to treatment and the safety and reliability of pharmaceutical supplies.
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